Page 32 of Morning's Light

“Yes, yes, and yes. Get in the van and stop distracting me.”

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He took his time driving, maneuvering more slowly than Astix had. The weight of the van made it difficult to take corners at any speed. They made it to the chapel with moments to spare. Although she was not much help setting up, Elon handled things smoothly. He looked dramatic, she considered, watching him. Angsty and moody. There was an almost frenzied energy about him. He took direction from not only her but also the bridal party with decorum and respect, and soon a grin split his face from ear to ear. Because of it, she indulged herself and sat back to survey his progress.

Dealing with weddings did nothing to make her want one of her own. Despite her mother’s wishes—or the urgings from other women her age—Aisanna despised the entire antiquated concept. She enjoyed the show, the flash, the ceremony, and seeing everything come together at the end with flawless execution. She adored the way her flowers brightened up a room and made the occasion memorable.

Anything beyond that? Not a chance. Weddings made her sick in the stomach, not the heart.

However, seeing Elon there, surrounded by women in aquamarine tulle dresses twittering at his jokes, was almost enough to have her rethinking the concept. She could picture him standing in front of an altar, one she designed and executed herself, looking discerning and mouth-wateringly attractive in a suit. She would want an outdoor wedding, though. Somewhere they could feel the sun and the grass underfoot. Somewhere fitting for an earth elemental.

No! What the hell was she thinking? She shook her head vehemently. Bad idea. Very bad idea. Especially considering the kiss in the shop. The delicious, gut-wrenching kiss that triggered a small explosion in her chest. She’d wanted to prove something to herself, she mused. Prove she could conquer the constant internal tug-of-war Elon Fayer inspired.

He belonged there amongst the beauty. He laughed with the girls and made small talk as he worked with the table settings. His audience was charmed, Aisanna along with them.

Once they finished staging the scene, he hustled her back to the van, concerned for her welfare. She caught the flash of jealousy on several bridesmaids’ faces and couldn’t help but feel privileged.

“I know you told me not to worry, but it’s getting late and I can’t help it,” he said. He held his jacket over her head until she was situated. “I don’t want you out here once the roads begin to freeze.”

She shrugged. “In any case, I imagine I’ve bossed you around enough for one day. It’s your turn.”

“We’ll call it job security. I believe that was your term?” He hooked his hands in his pockets and sent her a roguish grin.

“Um, yeah.”

They went down the road slowly, with the wipers working double time. At last, he pulled up in front of her parents’ house.

Aisanna stared up at the familiar façade of her home. She hated that he had to bring her here. The embarrassment she felt rose to choke her, though she had no choice in the matter. Elon took the circle drive like a professional and came to a stop directly in front of the entryway stoop.

“Are you going to be okay?” he asked.

Let it go, her mind warned. Let it go before you drag him down into something he has no business being a part of.

It took her a moment to answer, dread rising to choke her. If it was her fate to battle, she couldn’t beat it. Couldn’t fight against it, not if she wanted to keep her family safe. “Yes. I should be.”

“Do you want me to stay with you for a bit? To make sure you get settled?”

She appreciated his concern. “I’ll be fine.” She shot him a grin designed to put him at ease. “Stop worrying.”

“It’s part of my job.” He leaned in toward her, skimming a hand over her wet hair and pushing it away from her face. “You understand, don’t you?”

It was hard to swallow the flicker of excitement burning low in her abdomen. When she raised her eyes to him, they felt gritty. “I’m not for you, Elon. Let me go.” She pressed a hand against his shoulder. Cold air whisked over her and she used her free hand to open the door.

He stretched back. “Maybe you think so. But things are not complicated,” he told her lightly, although it cost him. “I’ll be here when you’re ready. There’s nothing casual about us.”

The kicker? She believed him.

Aisanna let the door close on his final words, her head filled with him, and watched him pull the van around the circle driveway. The street was deserted and quiet except for the steady plink of ice.

God, he was a good-looking man, she was forced to admit. Funnier than she gave him credit for. Okay, maybe he pushed her a little farther than she liked. And maybe he got overly familiar with her.

Maybe she liked him more for his tenacity.

And he’s your employee. And younger than you. And he’s human. Don’t forget those minor details.

No one was perfect. It wasn’t like she’d allow this tiny attraction to grow into anything bigger. Right?

Aisanna pushed inside the house and pulled off her jacket, wincing when it dragged along her shoulders and the bruises still healing there. She turned to glance in the hallway mirror.

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